The chairman of free-scoring Brompton Athletic has paid tribute to opponents Kedan who were on the wrong end of a 39-0 drubbing.

Kedan manager Ian Thomas claimed there were “no hard feelings” despite seeing his side beaten in their last Rochester & District League, Division 4 game before the festive break.

The home team played with just seven men at Luton Rec, Gillingham, and were unfortunate to come up against a promotion-chasing side seeking to boost their goal difference.

Brompton chairman, player-coach and scorer of four of the goals, James Hartnoll said: “It was the most bizarre scoreline I’ve ever been involved in both as a player and a coach/chairman.

“Full credit to the lads and management from Kedan for sticking around for the full 90 minutes.

“The heart and desire their lads showed throughout the game was exceptional and their goalkeeper was outstanding, making some great saves.”

Kedan managed to keep Athletic at bay for the opening four minutes but once the opener arrived, they kept coming and six Brompton players had claims on the match-ball.

Matt Barnden scored eight, Lewis Haylor and Scott Ferguson seven each, Hartnoll four and George Smyth and Dan Elliot three each as the visitors showed no mercy.

Kedan are second-bottom with four points from their nine games and now have a goal difference of minus 90 while Brompton lead the division on goal difference after the thumping win, with one point separating the top-three sides.

Hartnoll said: “It wasn’t nice playing against an under-strength team but we had a job to do to get to the top of the league.

“We never expected such a high score line, even though we were chasing 14 goals to go top.

“As a newly-formed club this season, we have aspirations of joining the Kent League as soon as possible, being backed by great sponsors and a coaching team that’s second to none at this level.

“Hopefully, we’ll see a few more good results and headlines over the next few seasons and as for Kedan, I hope they can turn their fortunes around and get some new players in during the new year.”

Anyone interested in joining Kedan in the new year can call Mr Thomas on 07951 060034.